November 28, 2008 - random "excercise"

Tonight the extended family went to the Monett (Missouiri) YMCA to play around. I decided it was the prime time to try out an elliptical. It certainly was an interesting experience. I really couldn't coordinate myself very well. I did a mile in 13:51. It really does give a nice, whole-body work out though. Then I did 10 minutes on the rowing machine. I only went 1340 meters (I think...if I read the thing right...).

Saturday, December 6th, is my next podiatrist appointment. Here's hoping for a healed heel!!!

November 18, 2008 - 7.09 miles

I used the stationary bike at Matt's grandparents' house. I rode for 30 minutes and went 7.09 miles. I didn't constantly do the arms though, I couldn't.

I had a dream I was running and it felt so good. I wasn't supposed to be running, even in my dream. "Fortunately" I have a horrible head-cold that leaves me wanting to do nothing so I won't be going on any illegal jaunts.

November 10, 2008 - Yoga

Well, there's nothing like 45 minutes of yoga for the first time in years to make this runner feel horribly out of shape. Now I wish I had cross-trained! Ugh! It was a good thing I was by myself because it was rather comical. I'll have to get used to it, because it's all I have for a month. I am hoping to get out on my bike some too but it will depend on time and daylight. Matt talked about getting a trainer for winter riding. I'm thinking sooner is better than later.

I wish I could run. And there's nothing that increases the desire to run more than to have someone tell you not to run. *sigh* I will just have to wait until December 6th. Absolutely no running... I must be a runner if I'm missing it.

November 8, 2008 - 2 mile

I ran my 2 miles this morning outside. It went pretty well. My foot was bothering a little bit. I didn't put my knee straps on which was a mistake for my left knee. I finished the 2 miles in 22:07.07

I finally had my podiatrist appointment today. It ends up that I have a stress fracture in my left heel. "So that's why my foot hurts!" I said. So my doctor said no running for three weeks. None! It will actually be four weeks because my next appointment is in a month. *sigh* I will have to turn my attention (and motivation) to other types of exercise.

November 7, 2008 - 1 mile

Another treadmill mile this morning. I finished in 10:52. My left foot definitely is feeling better but I'll probably still go to the podiatrist. I'll probably end up feeling like I wasted time at $25 but oh well! I'm planning (right now) to run a mile or two earlier tomorrow morning just to see how it behaves on pavement without the give of a treadmill.

Here's hoping!

November 4, 2008 - 1 mile

I ran one mile on the treadmill this morning in 12 minutes. My left foot still hurt enough to not want to push for two miles but seemed improved. I don't know if it's because the treadmill helped absorb some of the shock or because my foot's actually healing. We'll see. I have a podiatrist appointment for Saturday morning. As of right now, I'm keeping the appointment.

I also exercised my right to vote this morning!

November 1, 2008 - Lakefront 50/50: Official support team

Bethie was running a 50K so I commandeered babysitting (Matt had to work) and headed downtown with my bike to cheer her on. So as to not have to backout in case kid-watching fell through, I decided to surprise her. I made it down to the start with about 15 minutes to spare so I was able to say hi before she started her 31 mile race.

Here's me, Bethie and Danielle before the race starts. Notice I already have helmet head. Sad.

I decided to bring my bike because I wasn't confident that my foot would hold out to actually run with her. Since the course is in 3 loops, I figured my bike would be an excellent way to jump from spot to spot as needed, cheering as necessary. The only problem with that method is that I have not ridden my bike in, oh, about 4 years. As a result, my rear end, quads, shoulders and even hands were not happy with me by the end of the day. But they can just deal with it because the whole experience was totally worth it!


After saying hello to Bethie, I road a mile or so to the first water spot. Here I found Kathy, who's husband was running. She was at the table by herself and asked me if I had seen any porta-potties. I hadn't but offered to stand it while she went searching. I ended up staying at this water station until well after I had seen Bethie and crew run by.

Here they are now!

I stayed and chatted with Kathy for a while after that and then went on my merry way. I found the next station that was about half-way through the out-and-back and hung out there briefly. Then I met up with Bethie and crew at the final station near to the turn-around. I road next to them (feeling very lazy for being on a bike) until we got back to the original water station. I filled in for Kathy again and waited until Beth came back by. The rest of the time I spent riding next to her.

Here we are together!

Beth was amazing! She had a blister since mile seven but finished strong! I'm so very proud of her. We had fun chatting along the way then singing for the last 8 miles. Seriously, that woman knows a lot of lyrics! I was having lots of issues effectively getting off of my bike and getting the correct seat height and not having the seat slide down with me on it! In the end, I think I biked ~25 miles with ~21 miles as official Bethie support crew. What a reintroduction to biking!

And I'm happy to report that biking does not make my foot hurt. I will be attempting to run again but at least I have a suitable cross-training if I need to rest from running for some time. (More on that later.)

A big congratulations to Beth the Ultra-Marathoner!!! I'm so proud of you!! Thanks for letting me be part of your first 50K!!! And if I haven't said it recently....

You're AWESOME!!!